GMB extends sponsorship deal with Rovers

FEATHERSTONE Rovers have announced that the GMB Union, Yorkshire and North Derbyshire region, has extended its sponsorship deal with the club for 12 months.

The GMB, who have been Rovers sponsors for a number of years, will again have a prominent logo on the 2013 playing shirt. The union has increased involvement in the club in recent seasons, being active partners within the Featherstone Rovers Foundation.

In 2011 the club’s learning facility was renamed the Featherstone Rovers GMB Union Learning Centre and the union also invested in it this year by upgrading computer facilities that are used by the wider community on a number of projects.

Rovers commercial manager Paul Taylor said: “It’s a fantastic boost that the GMB Union Yorkshire and North Derbyshire Region have continued their support of the club.

“The GMB Union is regarded as one of our key partners and they support the club in a number of ways, particularly in the community.

“The GMB Union appreciates the hard work that is taking place at the club behind the scenes and in a time of economic austerity we are very grateful for the commitment the union has shown towards Featherstone Rovers.

“Through the GMB Union Sports Section, we have also been impressed with the work of the Rugby League Players Association. Our partnership is a prime example of how sports sponsorship can be mutually beneficial to both organisations.”

Geoff Burrow, GMB sports branch secretary, said: “The partnership with Featherstone Rovers has worked well for us. The club ideally fits with the ethos of the GMB Trade Union in terms of us reaching out to communities, players and staff.

“As a union we have been involved with the club for over six years and we have been impressed with progress the club has made. They have engaged with us as a partner very well in terms of our ULF learning projects, player welfare and by working with us to offer players and staff the opportunity to learn new skills for their future career after sport.

“The agreement allows our members from other branches throughout the region to join us in the excellent hospitality package available. We are always well looked after by the team at Featherstone and receive fantastic feedback from members and guests. The partnership continues to help drive our membership into the Rugby League Players Association and other GMB branches.”